Evaluation of regional adoption agencies highlights mixed progress, with some starting to improve various aspects of the adoption process, while others are struggling to attract staff and develop shared IT functions.

Nearly three times as many youth charity leaders expect annual income to rise in 2019 compared to those who think it will fall, but most say they want more support to develop partnerships with local businesses.

Three projects aimed at preventing children coming into care and helping those already in the system to leave are to be expanded to 20 councils. Experts call for greater emphasis on supporting families to stay together.